Gaylord Lee Connor, of Denton, Texas, passed away at the age 76 on Nov. 13, 2014, at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, Denton, due to complications related to lung cancer.
Gaylord was born Sept. 29, 1938, in Newton, to Chancie and Ines Connor. After high school, Gaylord made a valiant attempt at college, but in true Gaylord fashion got in trouble for not conforming and left after one semester! He followed in his parents' professions, and became a barber. While attending barber school in Wichita, he looked into an office window and saw his future wife, the lovely Glenda Cline, whom he called "Linda" for three weeks, working at her desk. They were married during a blizzard on March 1, 1958. Gaylord and Glenda made their home in Newton until 1991. At that time Gaylord decided he needed more golf and less snow, so they moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. They somewhat reluctantly relocated to Denton, Texas, in 2005, to be closer to family. In hindsight, one of their best life decisions!
In 1967 Gaylord and Glenda made one more important life decision that changed the course of their lives and has been a huge blessing to this day. Along with a few of his best childhood friends (Bob and Eddie Cressler, and Gene Arnold) he became a Pizza Hut franchisee. Gaylord continued barbering for a few years and renewed his barbers license for many years because "you just never know." The partners had stores in seven states and became the sixth largest Pizza Hut franchise group. The partners sold their stores in 1985; this transaction made the front page of the Wall Street Journal.
Gaylord mentored and befriended many young people of Newton, (some were Vietnam veterans) into the pizza business. This group includes Steve Chambers and Vince Collier, who are still in the business. During the annual Pizza Hut franchisees meeting in Dallas, Tuesday, Nov. 4, Steve and Vince were able to visit with Gaylord in the hospital. It was a special day for Gaylord to reflect back on his role in the lives of these two wonderful men.
Gaylord was a very generous man, but believed you had to earn your way in life. He rewarded hard work. We will never know how many hearts and lives he touched - whether it was seed money for a business, sickness in the family, or saving your family home - Gaylord would help. Gaylord was one of the main sponsors of Special Olympics in Harvey County and one of the original founders of Babe Ruth baseball in Newton. Gaylord was a past Exalted Ruler of the Newton Elks and was president of the Newton Country Club two times. Gaylord also served on the board of directors of Halstead Hospital for many years. Even with two businesses, he valued time with his family and friends. Whether it was coaching teams, taking the family fishing, swimming at Yentruoc, hunting, or even wrestling on the living room floor, he was there. With a busy travel schedule, Gaylord managed to not miss a horse show, choir event, play, baseball game, wrestling match or swim-meet of his children, and was present for many of the grandchildren's events.
As everyone who knew Gaylord would say, what he lacked in size he made up for in personality. He excelled at sports from an early age, baseball, football, diving and his all time love, track. His love for golf took some time to develop, but once it did he was hooked. He has been fortunate enough to play many "bucket list" courses, with his favorite being St. Andrew's in Scotland, and was very proud of his two holes in ones. Gaylord was a remarkable man, with a huge heart and a huge sense of humor. His passing has left a void in his family but his legacy will live on through all of the lives he has touched.
Gaylord is survived by his wife of 56 years, Glenda; three children, Kim Colleen Dorrough (Dave) of Owasso, Oklahoma, Kip Connor (Lu Ann) of St. Charles, Missouri, Christy Connor Kennedy (J.D. Kennedy) of McKinney, Texas; eight grandchildren, Robert Dorrough, 25, Jordan Dorrough, 22, Whitney Larkin, 28 (Craig), Taylor Biondo, 25 (Addison), Sydney Connor, 22, Hannah Connor, 20, Carson Kennedy, 22, and Connor Kennedy, 18. Gaylord's first great-grandchild is due to Whitney and Craig May 14, 2015. Gaylord is also survived by his niece, Pam (Terry) Gould, and great-nephew, Barry Frank, who have been a constant source of care and love during this time. He was proceeded in death by his parents and three siblings, Willard LaGrand (L.W.), Geraldine Emma and Eloise Jewel, and his most special nephew, Barry Fiedler.
A memorial service celebrating Gaylord's life will take place Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, at 2:30 p.m. at the Denton Country Club, 1213 Country Club Drive, Argyle, Texas 76226. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
